Caitlin Sayers, BSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Manager, Burn Unit
Eskenazi Health
Indianapolis, IN
St. Elizabeth School of Nursing prides itself on its curriculum, which applies real-world clinical knowledge early in the program. Many alumni, including Caitlin Sayers, BSN, RN, believe that is one of the reasons they succeed as nurses in the real world.
Originally from Westport, Massachusetts, Caitlin graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 2017. She currently works as a clinical nurse manager for Eskenazi Health in the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center in Indianapolis. Caitlin not only credits St. Elizabeth School of Nursing for preparing her clinically, but she also says the school gave her a love of continuing education, and she is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, acute care track, at St. Mary’s College, with a graduation date of 2024. A DNP is the terminal degree in the study of nursing.
Learn more about Caitlin in the Q&A below:
WHY DID YOU BECOME A NURSE?
I became a nurse to pursue a life full of helping and healing. Nursing is not a career choice; it is a passion.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM NURSING SCHOOL?
My best memories from nursing school are the clinical experiences. I truly treasured every moment I got to apply my newly learned theoretical knowledge into practice.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW NURSES?
Triage your life. I still do it (lol). Take every semester and break it down week by week. “What do I need to accomplish this week?” is much less of a daunting question than the whole month or semester.
HOW DID ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL OF NURSING PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
St. Elizabeth School of Nursing not only prepared me clinically, but also helped me to grow as a person. The program pushes you intellectually but also professionally and personally. I am the person I am today, and have the love for continuing education I do, because of St. Elizabeth School of Nursing.
IF YOU WEREN'T A NURSE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
My personality could not hold a 9 to 5 desk job, so it would have to be something thrilling and flexible. Maybe EMS? Paramedicine? Those would definitely be possibilities.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE FIELD AFTER YOU COMPLETED YOUR DEGREE?
Staff nurse for the Burn Unit at Eskenazi. Like St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, this job choice was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?
Clinical nurse manager for the Burn Unit at Eskenazi.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR CURRENT JOB?
I love the variability in my job. I could be on the floor one day, then in meetings the next. I enjoy the higher level of responsibility and the increased engagement within the organization.
WHAT PATIENT POPULATION DO YOU SERVE?
Adults in the Burn Center.
WHAT IS THE TOUGHEST PART ABOUT BEING A NURSE?
Being a nurse comes with shouldering everyone else's emotions. It can be tough and feel odd to prioritize yourself, but it's a must for self-preservation.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND YOUR NURSING PRACTICE THROUGH THE LENS OF THE SCHOOL'S MISSION OF PREPARING NURSES TO CONTINUE CHRIST'S HEALING MINISTRY?
Being a well-rounded nurse fulfills Christ's healing ministry and my own. Serving others while leading by example is the bread and butter of Christ's ministry.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT WORK?
I am happily married with a 7-month-old daughter (our first), so free time is limited at the moment!